EEA-R: Student Transportation Services

The following are guidelines for use of commercial buses for transportation of students. 

• The B. C. Motor Vehicle Branch recommends that schools use buses designated as school buses, in view of their more stringent safety requirements.  Schools must contact companies to verify that they are renting vehicles with school bus registrations and signs. 
• All commercial buses have a stated passenger carrying capacity.  It is essential that staff using buses establish the carrying capacity and not ask drivers to load buses beyond the approved limit.
• School supervisors should travel with students on buses at all times, and students must remain seated while buses are in motion.  The supervisors will establish and maintain an accurate and up to date list of passengers riding in a school bus that is being used as non-scheduled transportation (MVA reg 11.06). 
• Drivers of vehicles carrying up to 10 passengers (including the driver) are required to have a Class 5 licence. 
• Drivers of school bus, special activity bus or special vehicle carrying between 11 and 24 passengers (including the driver) are required to have a Class 4 licence. 
• Drivers of school bus, special activity bus or special vehicle carrying more than 24 passengers (including the driver) are required to have a Class 2 licence. 
• Rental vans hired for the transportation of students for some special event do not require a school bus designation, but it is important to note that if a staff member holding a standard drivers' licence (Class 5) is driving such a vehicle, not more than ten passengers (including the driver) are allowed. 
• Any vehicle with a seating capacity of more than ten persons including the driver is defined by Motor Vehicle Act as a “bus”.  A “bus” used to transport students is required to have a valid school bus permit (MVA reg. 11.03). This will include volunteers vehicles, rental vehicles and vehicles owned, leased, or contracted by the School Board for student transportation. 
• Rental vans hired for the transportation of students should be the type with fixed seating.  All students must remain seated while the van is in motion and should use seat belts if the vehicle is so supplied. 

Bus Certificates for Public Bus Service

• School bus certificates are issued only to students between the ages of 12 and 21 who are taking courses in the public school system. 
• Students must be ready to show their certificates to the operator upon boarding the vehicle. 
• School certificates are good at any time. 
• School certificates are not transferable and are subject to cancellation if presented by anyone other than the person to whom they are issued. 
• School certificates are to be turned in by any student withdrawing from school anytime before the end of the school year in June.

DMT Responsibility: